Skip to main content

Stay High with Quiksilver’s Josh Rush

Today we speak to Quiksilver‘s Creative Director on his career and style:

I was brought up in a coastal town in Southern Australia, Phillip Island. At the age of 13 I picked up a sponsorship from Quiksilver and for the next six years I spent my time traveling and competing. I moved to Torquay, on the opposite coast of Australia, and finished my schooling there in my later years. Throughout high school I focused on design, art and surfing – it was there I became good friends with the children of Quiksilver’s founders, Allen Green and John Law, who started the company back in 1969. At this time, the culture and friendships were what drew me to the brand, and obviously my love of surfing was at the center of this attraction.

After finishing high school I made the decision to stop following my childhood dream of surfing, and to continue studying graphics – really focusing on a new chapter in design. To make cash on the side while studying, I started working at Quiksilver’s warehouse; two years later, at 19, there was an opening as a Junior Artist, which I took. After one year, I was chucked into the deep end and was named the Senior Boardshort Designer for Quiksilver Australia. I spent the next six years on boardshorts, with the last two evolving into a shared Art Director position for Quiksilver Australia.

I reached 25 and had a midlife crisis and needed a sea change. I quit my job and went traveling through Europe. It was there I met the newly appointed CEO of Quiksilver, Pierre Agnes, and he saw something in me and offered me a job. He said quiet bluntly with his French accent, “You start here in three weeks, if you don’t like it… fuck off.” Haha! I cut my trip in half and flew back to Australia – that was five plus years ago and I haven’t looked back.

I was fortunate to have great mentors who helped me in my next chapter – Brett Chittenden (Creative/Design Director DC Shoes) and Simon Buttonshaw (Quiksilver previous 10yr+ Global Creative Director).  Both continue to be good friends and creative sparing partners. I also have the privilege of working with the creative studio from Melbourne called Urchin, they have been working along side us for the journey and even helped me do my first folio! Cheers, boys.

I recently finished up 2.5 years as Global Design Director, focusing on apparel, and have since moved into the role of Creative Director with primary function of aligning the product and marketing visual identity and voice. Since transitioning into the role, my team and I have been working on a new project that we’re really excited to launch later this year – it’s a great mix of function and style that really epitomizes the Quiksilver culture.

As for my personal style:

Jeans:

Black jeans, also shameless plug for my mate’s new denim brand DIG.

Shirts:

Vintage workwear and flannel shirts, Acne chambray. My go-to tees are typically Quik – really great basics with rad designs – no bias here.

Pants:

Black jeans 

Suits:

Wetsuits mainly, I live in the Cypher 4/3mm, it’s the best – and suits for funerals and weddings

Shoes:

Vans old skewl and Converse Chuck Taylors

Accessories:

None

Outerwear:

Quiksilver Down Jacket (we’re the best at snow, what can I say), vintage Levis denim jacket, Acne biker jacket

Favorite Cologne:

No favorite, plenty of options living in France

Your favorite App:

UBER

 Favorite piece of technology:

BOSE Noise cancelling headphones

Next tech purchase:

New iMac for home studio

Cator Sparks
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Cator Sparks was the Editor-in-Chief of The Manual from its launch in 2012 until 2018. Previously, Cator was covering…
Swatch, Tate partner for watch collection that literally puts art on your wrist
Swatch x Tate Gallery collaboration inspired by paintings
Swatch x Tate collaboration watches

Swatch, renowned for its quirky designs and commitment to self-expression, has joined forces with the prestigious Tate galleries to create an extraordinary collection of Swatch watches that blur the lines between art and utility. The Swatch x Tate Gallery Collection isn't simply a collaboration but a celebration of creativity, individuality, and the appeal of wearable art.

Each Swatch watch is dedicated to the artwork of its respective artist. From Turner's Scarlet Sunset to Bourgeois's Spirals, every watch tells a unique story. Whether you're drawn to the whimsical charm of Marc Chagall or the bold simplicity of Fernand Léger, there's a watch in this collection to suit every taste and personality. This partnership further cements Swatch's position as a brand that bridges the gap between art and simple timekeeping with bold designs and vibrant colors.
The Swatch x Tate Gallery Collection: Wearable art

Read more
78 pairs of Gucci sneakers just had their prices slashed
A man wearing the Ace tennis sneakers.

The spring and summer months are the perfect time to upgrade your sneaker collection. With fresh styles and lightweight materials, sneakers are the best shoes for the warmer months for everyday wear, traveling or simply hanging out at a bar. Sneakers are now more popular than ever with men wearing them in both casual and formal situations. Here is a definitive guide to wearing a suit with sneakers if you want to combine a luxury look with a fresh new pair of kicks.

Right now, you can shop more than 70 pairs of Gucci sneakers on sale at Gilt. You can get up to $275 dollars off casual and fashion sneakers from this coveted brand in a mix of colors, styles and materials. Click the button below to start browsing these designer sneakers before time runs out.

Read more
Citizen celebrates 100th anniversary with throwback limited edition pocket watch
Citizen debuts 100th anniversary pocket watch
Citizen 100th anniversary pocket watch

Citizen watches have a legacy that spans a century, with a name that evokes reverence, innovation, and enduring quality. Now, in a momentous celebration of its 100th anniversary, Citizen unveils a breathtaking homage to their inaugural masterpiece: the Special Limited Edition Pocket Watch. That's right, a pocket watch for men. Since the success of Peaky Blinders and peak Thomas Shelby fame, pocket watches have garnered a somewhat cult following and Citizen has jumped on that bandwagon with a celebratory timepiece of their own.
Citizen watches: A brief history

In 1868, Japan underwent a significant transformation as the Edo period concluded, marking the end of samurai dominance. The dawn of the Meiji era saw Japan embrace modernization and industrial growth until 1912. By the 1920s, the widespread adoption of imported pocket watches reflected Japan's burgeoning participation in global trade.

Read more